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There was something for every type of reader on MentalFloss.com in 2023.

Our 25 Most Popular Stories of 2023

Once again, Mental Floss readers proved to be curious about all sorts of niche topics—and our editors and writers were happy to oblige their interests.

'Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey' (2023) did not have a sweet run at the box office.

Net Zero: The 10 Worst Movies of 2023, According to Rotten Tomatoes

You've never heard of most of these movies. There's good reason for that.

Whether it's tea or a great gift card, these gifts are in the bag.

10 of the Best Last-Minute Gifts That Will Make It in Time for Christmas

Discover 10 of the best last-minute gifts to give this holiday season, including MasterClass, Nuuly, Blue Apron, and more.

There's a hamper hidden among the presents—can you spot it?

Can You Find the Hamper Hidden Among the Presents?

The record for solving the puzzle is 30 seconds. Can you beat that time?

25 Things to Look for During the 24-Hour ‘A Christmas Story’ Marathon

You know Ralphie Parker’s plight by heart, but can you spot the many flubs in Bob Clark’s ‘A Christmas Story’?

How to Make Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls As Moist As Fresh-Baked Cinnabons

When it comes to hacks for canned cinnamon rolls, this one is as easy as it is effective.

It wasn't always associated with the holidays.

Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?

The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?

‘The Carol Singers,’ a 1927 print by D.M. Wheeler.

15 Vintage Christmas Songs to Get You in the Holiday Spirit

These obscure Christmas songs from the early 20th century might become your new favorite carols.

OK Soda: The '90s Soft Drink for Gen X That Fell Flat

In 1994, Coca-Cola introduced a soda for the grunge era. It left a bitter taste.

George Washington’s Extra-Boozy Eggnog Recipe Will Knock You Sideways

George Washington's preferred eggnog recipe calls for four kinds of booze—and none of them in small quantities.

25 Fascinating Facts About American Girl Dolls

Everyone thought Pleasant Rowland’s idea was terrible. Thankfully, she didn’t listen. Now there’s a new American Girl movie in development, making it the perfect time to read up on what you might not have known about these beloved dolls.

It's Barbie's world—and there are plenty of themed gifts to go around.

10 Gifts for the Barbie Lover in Your Life

This holiday season, think pink with these incredible Barbie gifts for fans of the toy and Greta Gerwig's recent blockbuster.

You may want to think twice about sneaking a cookie.

Sugary Snacks and Drinks Could Be Making You Depressed

A recent study found a link between artificial sweeteners in ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of depression.

Can You Bring Knitting Needles On a Plane?

Traveling with two sharp sticks can get a little tricky.

9 Funerals Gone Wrong

From a profane parrot to an exploding corpse to swapped (and dropped) bodies, the funerals on this list went terribly awry.

If you want to make the London Eye part of your British vacation, be prepared to wait.

The 20 Tourist Attractions With the Most Notorious Lines

If you want to get the full tourist experience, waiting in line is unavoidable.

The Yule Lads didn't always look like Santa.

Iceland’s Yule Lads Bring Gifts, Steal Meat

Thirteen bearded wild men descend upon Icelandic homes to reward children who behave and punish those who don’t.

Make these for Santa and guarantee your spot on the nice list.

Make These Peppermint Palmiers the Star of Your Christmas Cookie Spread

They look gourmet, but with help from a frozen ingredient chefs swear by, these cookies come together fast.

Good news! Wearing yoga pants may inspire you to go to the gym more often.

11 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Go to the Gym

Got a New Year’s resolution to go to the gym more often? Here are a few tips to help you stick to your goals.

HSAs and FSAs don’t work in exactly the same ways.

HSA vs. FSA: What’s the Difference?

The differences between HSAs and FSAs include how they’re set up, how much you can contribute, and who qualifies.

The winter solstice marks the return of longer days.

25 Facts About the Winter Solstice, the Shortest Day of the Year

Whether you’re a fan of winter or wish it would go away, here are 25 things to note about the winter solstice, a.k.a. the shortest day of the year.

Several health ailments hindered the Tudors.

10 Medical Misfortunes that Plagued the Tudor Royal Family

The powerful royal family was not immune to the many illnesses of the 16th century.

St. Nicholas and the dastardly Père Fouettard.

Move Over, Krampus: France’s Père Fouettard Is St. Nick’s Sidekick—and Possibly a Brutal Murderer

Père Fouettard, or “Father Whipper,” is a butcher whose favorite pastime is eating children. And hanging out with St. Nicholas.

10 Great Gifts for Introverts

Your favorite homebody is sure to appreciate any of the gifts on this list.

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